Teak Trees

[missismiggins]

I was under the impression that teak trees are very resistant to pests.

About 1 1/2 years ago we planted about 600 saplings (12 inches tall or so at the time)

They grew pretty well and some are now in excess of 6 metres tall.

Suddenely, in the last month, some of the trees are dying, the top leaf buds just wither and then the whole tree turns from a healthy plant to a dead stick.

I went and checked some and it appears that "Bluak" (termites I think) are destroying them.

I have tried a mix of exepermethin mixed with stedfast sc4 applied to the surrounding soil and to the base of the trunk, with a bit of roundup for weed clearing.

Anyone know a sure way to get rid of this problem?...

[Maizefarmer]

missismiggins

Its a falacy- as I found out on one occassion myself many years ago. They are as suceptible during the first few years of growth to pests just as other trees are. Its really only when the tree starts to produce silica and central core of hardwood starts to harden and produce resin/oil that resistance to termites and bugs starts to build up - usualy sometime between year 6 - 12, but it can be later.

In Loei Thai's who have teak trees grow Neem trees amongst them (one of the few large scale usages of Neem that I have seen myself actually work in real world circumstances - and readers will tell you that if there is anyone sceptical of "natural remedies" on large scales, it's me), and also spray the land with Neem oil they extract from Neem foilage/branches chopped up finely and soaked in drums 44 Gallon drums with water.

Do some internet research

[GungaDin]

If you spray neem oil, don't expect it to act as a knock-down spray.

It will take 7 days to affect the bugs, spray them again in another 7 days.

Try to find an insecticidal soap to mix with the neem oil, avoid cheap detergents if possible.

Spread neem cake within the dripline. (if possible)

Next time, you might consider planting African Mahogany.

[Maizefarmer]

Yes, the oil - they spray the whole land with it (diluted or pure? - I don't know - presume diluted). Another practise I have seen around here (Loei) is to pile up very finely chopped (practicaly a mush its so finely chopped up) Neem tree foilage (thin branches and leaves) around the base of the trees.

Correct - its a long term thing: not a knock down solution - and I would think its best used preventively i.e. get it down before the damage is done.

Any particualr reason why African Mahogany, as opposed Teak, or something like one the South American varities?

[missismiggins]

Thanks to you all for that!

Will do some digging on Neem.

[GungaDin]

Yes, the oil - they spray the whole land with it (diluted or pure? - I don't know - presume diluted). Another practise I have seen around here (Loei) is to pile up very finely chopped (practicaly a mush its so finely chopped up) Neem tree foilage (thin branches and leaves) around the base of the trees.

Correct - its a long term thing: not a knock down solution - and I would think its best used preventively i.e. get it down before the damage is done.

Any particualr reason why African Mahogany, as opposed Teak, or something like one the South American varities?

There is an excellent doco on the ABC about African Mahogany growing in the Top End of Aus,

the climate is similar to Thailand.

Here http://www.abc.net.au/landline/content/2006/s2343978.htm

If you can't view it, let me know & I'll try to get a transcript of the programme.

Basicly, African Mahog gives a much faster ROI.

http://www.nttimber.com.au/

Edited August 25, 2008 by GungaDin

[GungaDin]

Thanks to you all for that!

Will do some digging on Neem.

Dig here http://www.discoverneem.com/

It's an info site, run buy a German lass who lives in Kununarra (sp) W.A.

Neem trees are turning into pests/weeds in Aus. Spread by birds.

It's all there on her site.

I buy my neem from the Parker Group in India.

Keep me posted about any progress you make with neem please.

[basilic13]

From another forum, one entry highlights the pest sensitve nature of mahogany... is that true? thanks...

[GungaDin]

From another forum, one entry highlights the pest sensitve nature of mahogany... is that true? thanks...

Can't comment without a link.

[Loom]

From another forum, one entry highlights the pest sensitve nature of mahogany... is that true? thanks...

There is a lot wrtitten about mahogany shoot boring bugs. These bugs don't kill the trees but reduce their value by chewing on the primary growing shoot. This makes the stem crooked and leads to a lot of lateral branches.

http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/moths/...rer-english.htm

[GungaDin]

Maybe that's the reason NTT went to Africa for their seeds,

African Mahogany (Khaya Senegalensis) is not liked by that borer bug?

Planting Neem between the Mahogany would help.

[GungaDin]

The downside of neem trees in Aus & Africa.

http://www.discoverneem.com/neem-weed.html